Sermons

What We Want to Believe (The Character and Attributes of God)

It is possible to be clinical in our description of God’s character and attributes. What are some of the dangers of this kind of approach to theology?

Why do you think people tend to be this way?

What is broken in the mind of the man who knows about God but does not worship God? What has he not allowed to happen?

How do you fix that?

What is our part in knowing God? Clearly Matthew 11:27 teaches us that God is only knowable if it is granted to us. But clearly from the human perspective there are things we need to do to cooperate with this sovereign grace. What are those things?

How do we guard against trying to define the indefinable? (c.f. Rom. 11:33; Ps. 145:3) Why do we tend to want to define the indefinable?Spend some time marveling at the pictures creation gives us to understand God. (i.e. What biblical texts are filled with meaning because of our sense of taste? i.e. What biblical texts are filled with meaning because of our understanding of light and darkness?)God does not need helpers or defenders. He is not bound by time. He does not need companionship. This is a description of perfection. Why does this feel cold to us?Why is the trinity an important doctrine to defend? It seems very mysterious. And yet we all know that you’d be labeled a cult leader if you challenged it. Why is it so important?The cross is the apex of the love of God and the most perfect display of the character of God. Worship seems appropriate! Perhaps take some time to sing about the cross or pray about the cross or meditate on the cross or discuss these questions.

Why are the doctrine of God and the doctrine of sin so important to the proper understanding of the cross?

How do we teach the cross to our kids in a way that is compelling and isn’t chalkboard knowledge?